Groundwork helps the horse to develop flexibility and
balance. It helps to establish a solid foundation for ridden work as the horse learns true
self-carriage. It enables the horse to learn how to move his body in a more effective way
without placing unnecessary stress on one particular joint or joints, releases tension,
teaches focus and obedience and improves co-ordination. Groundwork enables the horse to
become active rather than simply reactive.
It is said that a horse only has so many circles in him.
Working a horse purely on the lunge or in a lunging pen can put uneven strain on the
joints and can inadvertently teach a horse to work with his neck and head turned to the
outside and brace through the inside shoulder. Incorporating other aspects of groundwork
into the routine or lunging the horse around a square pattern of poles can help develop
balance, suppleness and straightness. By being creative you encourage the horse to focus
on the exercises thus increasing their concentration span and ability to learn.
Other more specific exercises such as the teeter totter (a
low level see saw) help to teach a horse how to adjust his balance on a moving platform
and can be done in hand and under saddle. It can help with loading problems and lack of
confidence and helps the handler to become clear and precise with the signals. The
exercise can be used to teach the horse how to tip the teeter totter up and down when
standing on the balance point of the construction by simply moving his centre of gravity
but not his feet.
